India and Nepal have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding railway connectivity and deepening bilateral cooperation in the sector, holding the 10th Project Steering Committee (PSC) and the 8th Joint Working Group (JWG) meetings in Kathmandu from June 11 to 12.

According to a statement issued by the Indian Embassy in Nepal, the meetings reviewed the progress of ongoing cross-border railway projects and discussed future initiatives aimed at enhancing connectivity between the two neighbouring countries.

Senior officials from both sides examined the implementation of the Jaynagar-Bijalpura-Bardibas and Jogbani-Biratnagar broad-gauge railway lines, both of which are being developed with grant assistance from the Government of India.

Focus On Key Cross-Border Railway Links

The two sides assessed the status of the railway projects that are expected to boost trade, mobility and people-to-people ties between India and Nepal. Discussions centred on the Jaynagar-Bijalpura-Bardibas line and the Jogbani-Biratnagar broad-gauge link, which form part of efforts to strengthen transport infrastructure across the open border.

Officials also deliberated on the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for launching passenger train services on the Janakpur-Ayodhya section, a route expected to enhance religious and cultural tourism between the two countries.

Another key agenda item was the Final Location Survey (FLS) report of the proposed Raxaul-Kathmandu broad-gauge railway line. Technical support for Nepal’s East-West Railway Link and the possibility of developing additional railway connections also figured prominently during the discussions.

Both countries agreed to maintain close coordination to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in the railway sector.

Building On Previous Discussions

The latest round of talks follows the 9th Project Steering Committee and the 7th Joint Working Group meetings held in New Delhi in February 2025. During those meetings, both sides had reviewed the progress of the same railway projects and discussed preparations for work on the remaining sections.

At the time, India was represented by Rohit Rathish, Joint Secretary (DPA-III) in the Ministry of External Affairs, while the Joint Working Group discussions were led by Pradeep Ojha, Executive Director (Traffic Transportation-Freight) in the Ministry of Railways. The Nepali delegation was headed by Sushil Babu Dhakal, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport.

The two sides had also reviewed plans for commencing work on the remaining sections of the Jaynagar-Bijalpura-Bardibas line and the Jogbani-Biratnagar project. Nepal had assured India of all necessary support to ensure the timely execution of the projects.

Connectivity At The Heart Of Bilateral Ties

Rail connectivity has emerged as an important pillar of India-Nepal relations, complementing existing road and energy links. The railway projects are expected to facilitate smoother movement of passengers and goods while contributing to economic growth and regional integration.

The discussions in Kathmandu underscored the shared commitment of both countries to enhancing infrastructure cooperation and accelerating connectivity projects. With several initiatives progressing simultaneously, India and Nepal are seeking to further strengthen their longstanding partnership through improved transportation networks and deeper economic engagement.

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